Royal National Park Loop
Sutherland Shire, NSW
At a Glance
About the Royal National Park Loop
35km loop through Australia's oldest national park south of Sydney - rolling sealed roads through coastal heath and Hacking River valley.
The Royal National Park loop is the southern Sydney equivalent of the Akuna Bay ride - a 35km circuit through Australia's oldest national park (gazetted 1879) that combines coastal heath, eucalypt forest, and the Hacking River valley. The standard route enters at Audley via Farnell Avenue, traverses Sir Bertram Stevens Drive south through the park, exits at Otford and returns via Lady Wakehurst Drive. Total elevation gain is around 600m spread over multiple short rolling climbs.
The loop's character changes constantly: gum forest in the north, open heathland on the plateau, and dramatic ocean cliff views from Otford Lookout near the southern entrance. The roads are narrow with no shoulder but are well-paved and lightly trafficked midweek.
Many cyclists extend south to Stanwell Tops via the Sea Cliff Bridge - one of the most photographed pieces of road in NSW - for a 90km Sutherland-Stanwell Park-Sutherland out-and-back.
Gradient profile — Avg gradient: 1.7%, Max gradient: 9%.
Royal National Park Loop Safety & Warnings
Narrow roads, no shoulder; busy with bunch rides Sat/Sun mornings; hot exposed plateau in summer.
Royal National Park Loop Highlights
Royal National Park Loop Facilities & Huts
Links & Resources
Find Nearby Accommodation
Hotels, apartments, hostels and luxury stays
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Nearby
Campsites(5)
Trails(3)
Attractions(5)
Toilets(3)
Groceries(5)
Fuel(5)
Ampol Foodary Heathcote Southbound
Ampol Foodary · 6.1km
Updated < 1h ago
Ampol Foodary Heathcote Northbound
Ampol Foodary · 6.1km
Updated < 1h ago
Shell Reddy Express Heathcote
Shell · 6.1km
Updated < 1h ago
BP ENGADINE (1234 PRINCESS HWY)
BP · 6.8km
Updated < 1h ago
BP ENGADINE (OLD PRINCES Hwy)
BP · 7.9km
Updated < 1h ago
Dump Points(3)
Beverly Hills Park
Free · 20.8km
Appin Park
Free · 25.1km
Torotoro
Free · 32.6km